CDC Warns Of Salmonella In Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu Sold In MN
The Centers for Disease Control And Prevention have issued a warning about some frozen chicken products that may contaminated with salmonella. It pertains to Kirkwood frozen chicken cordon bleu and other stuffed frozen chicken products, like chicken kiev.
The chicken is primarily sold at ALDI stores, and the CDC recommends that you do not eat it if it's in your freezer. 17 people have reported salmonella illnesses in this outbreak across 6 states including Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, New York, and Arizona. There likely have been more illnesses that have not been reported.
State and public health officials have interviewed people about the foods they have ate. 83% of people said they had prepared and ate frozen stuffed chicken products. Some of those people reported to microwaving or air frying the products, which is not recommended. This led to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service to issue an alert reminding people the proper way to prepare and handle raw poultry products. You should never microwave them or air fry them. They should be cooked in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165F.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture conducted a test going to a grocery store where someone reported buying frozen chicken products. Of the five frozen products they tested, 2 were positive for salmonella. They were Kirkwood's Chicken Cordon Bleu.
There has not been a mandatory recall issued for these products yet. The FSIS hasn't received any documentation, shopper records, or other traceable information to issue one.